Which of the following is an example of sagittal plane exercises?

• A. Lateral raise
• B. Abduction
• C. Plank
• D. Biceps curl, squat, running

Answer: (D)

Movements in the sagittal plane move the body forward and backward, dividing the body into left and right halves. An example like a biceps curl uses elbow flexion, bringing the forearm toward the upper arm, which is a forward-backward action in this plane. A squat involves bending at the hips and knees and then extending them, again in the forward-back direction. Running cycles through hip and knee flexion/extension and a strong forward travel, all primarily in this same plane.

Lateral raise and abduction are side-to-side movements that occur more in the frontal plane, away from the midline. A plank is an isometric hold with minimal dynamic movement and doesn’t emphasize forward-back motion, so it’s not the clearest example of sagittal-plane exercise.